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Israeli Eurovision Contestant Banned From Wearing Galliano

THE Israeli Broadcasting Authority (IBA), has banned Israeli singer Moran Mazor from wearing a John Galliano dress when she performs at the Eurovision Song Contest next month. The designer had allegedly agreed to create a bespoke outfit for the musician, who will represent Israel at the annual contest, although Galliano's representative, Liz Rosenberg, said that nothing had been confirmed.

The IBA argues that it is unacceptable to allow Galliano - who was dismissed from his role at Dior in March 2011, after making anti-Semitic comments in a Paris café - to dress a Eurovision representative when racism and anti-Semitism is still prevalent in Europe. The designer has since apologised for his behaviour and has sought treatment for the alcoholism that led to his actions.

He recently returned to fashion in February this year, completing a temporary residency at Oscar de la Renta's New York design studio in the run-up to the label's New York Fashion Week show. Anti-Defamation League director Abraham H Foxman, which previously showed his support for Galliano's return, argues that the IBA should reconsider its views.

"Mr. Galliano has continued to work hard not only in changing his worldview, but in establishing relationships," Foxman told The New York Magazine. "It is great to see that he is now involved with Israeli artists. The Israel Broadcasting Authority must realise that this is a changed man - he has consistently shown us that he is taking steps to understand and grow from his mistakes and at this point, to continue to boycott him is not constructive."